Red-Crowned Cranes, Japan

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Red-Crowned Cranes, Japan

Photograph by Mitsuhiko Kamada

Endangered red-crowned cranes wade through frosty waters on a cold morning in Tsurui, Hokkaido, Japan. The tancho (as it's known in Japan) was long considered a symbol of longevity—until it was nearly driven to extinction. The graceful white birds can now be viewed at several locations in Japan, but the Toro Nature Center is undoubtedly one of the best spots, offering half-day canoe trips through the marshy wetlands.